AeroMod International brings operations, jobs to MLB with $6.5 million lease

MELBOURNE,FL (January 29, 2016) -- AeroMod International LLC, one of the industry leaders in avionics and airplane structural modification and repair services, is moving its national headquarters from the Detroit area to Orlando Melbourne International Airport (MLB), bringing with it the potential for an additional 100 jobs at competitively high salaries. The company is establishing new service operations at MLB, taking advantage of the airport’s state-of-the-art 83,000 sq. ft. MRO facility, as well as Melbourne, Florida’s aviation-central location and enviable climate.

At its monthly meeting this week, the Melbourne Airport Authority approved the ten-year lease with four (4) five-year options to begin April 1. Combined with the 36,000 sq. ft. warehouse and office space Aeromod International will occupy, the lease represents an annual revenue of $646,739 to the airport and includes the installation of a fire suppression system in the MRO hangar.

New job salaries will be in the $55,000 to $75,000 range, based on experience and qualifications, with a job fair planned in conjunction with its April opening.

The company is an FAA-certified Part 145 Repair Station, meaning that it is capable of repairing, replacing or modifying components of narrow and wide-body aircraft with demonstrated experience including the Boeing 717, 737,747, 757,767 and 777, as well as the Airbus 319, 320, 321 A330 and 340 aircraft. Its work is most familiar to passengers as the company that installs GoGo inflight Internet and entertainment systems for its Delta, Air Canada, Virgin Atlantic and other major airline customers.

“MLB is ideally located to support our growth to serve both domestic and international customers,” said Rodney Willits, AeroMod’s director of international operations. “We’ll not only provide those services at MLB’s impressive MRO facility, but it will be from where we will deploy our Rapid Response Teams to customer locations.”

AeroMod’s customer base is expected to expand at MLB due to its proximity to international airline hubs, said the company. They provide avionics and structural overhaul, modification and repair services for general civil aviation and major commercial and military/defense aircraft. They work closely with their customers to achieve industry-leading turnaround times, often in half the time of their competitors, and are capable of internal and external equipment mounting, system integration, rack & consoles, cabling, cabinet and seating change installations, as well as sheet metal capability ranging from minor repairs to major skin replacement.

The company will fit in nicely with their MLB airside neighbors, counting several among them as vendors. They will be seeking qualified applicants such as avionics and structural technicians, repair specialists and certified A&P mechanics, and will provide extensive training to meet its high standards.

This is a significant milestone for Orlando Melbourne International Airport and AeroMod, said Melbourne Airport Authority Chairman Jack L. Ryals. “AeroMod will realize distinct business advantages and efficiencies with this strategic location at MLB. Adding them to our airside portfolio brings a synergy and advantage to our existing aviation tenants and partners in growth. “

Airport Executive Director Greg Donovan, AAE concurs. “We’ve been fielding inquiries from all parts of the world to operate out of our outstanding and capable MRO facility,” said Donovan. “Aeromod International’s strength and capabilities are impressive and a great fit to our airport. They dovetail nicely into our plans to provide an enviable environment for aviation and aerospace companies to grow.”

ABOUT ORLANDO MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Melbourne International Airport serves as the Atlantic coast’s gateway to Florida’s beaches, cruises and attractions. With nearly 500,000 passengers annually, it is credited with generating more than a billion dollars in economic activity for the Space Coast region. Known as “America’s fastest growing Aviation and Aerospace Manufacturing Center”, MLB boasts tenants such as aviation giants Harris Corp. (world HQ), Embraer, Northrop Grumman, L3, General Dynamics, GE Transportation, Thales Group and Rockwell Collins. It is the closest airport to Port Canaveral, Kennedy Space Center/NASA and the surfing capital of Cocoa Beach. Currently served by Delta Airlines, Porter Airlines, American Airlines, Baer Air and Elite Airways, the facility features three runways, a 200,000 square-foot terminal, with a 40,000 square-foot fully-outfitted customs facility and is part of Foreign Trade Zone 136. For more information, visit www.MLBair.com.